The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-04-03
THE DOCTORS NEW DISCOVERY.
A Test of Sulphuretted Hydrogen. Which Il
Is Said Cures Consumption.

There is much interest among physicians in
this city in regard to the new alleged cure of
consumption by means of injecting into the body
sulphuretted hydrogen and carbonic acid gas.
The theory of the new cure is very simple one.
The bacillis tuberculosis discrepancies and de-
stroys tissue. This disorganized matter being
absorbed into the economy produces blood
poisoning as is manifested in the patient in
fever, night sweats. loss of appetite and other
symptoms. Sulphurette hydrogen is taken up
by the venous circulation in the abdomen,
carried to the side of the heart. through which
the venous blood passes thence to the lungs,
where the sulphuretted hydrogen is thrown out.
This actions prevents the absorption of the septic
material. appetite returns fever is prevented,
and nature expels the bacillis tuber
culosis, as nature expels all bacilli
when in proper tone. The carbonic acid
gas is impregnated with sulphuretted
hydrogen. which is the active agent. the car
bonic-acid gas being merely the carrier, without.
in this case, any other action of its own. Com
mon air cannot be used, as it produces collie or
enteric pains, and even carbonic acid gas will
require to be administered with great care, and
is not to be intrusted to the ands of blunder-
ing quack. The arterial circulation. when the
injection is made, is very meager The venous
blood. the function of which is to carry off waste
matter, very readily takes up suphuretted n.y.
crogen and other absorbable substances. It is
claimed that administered thus by injection,
within minute the sulphuretted hydrogen can
be detected upon the breath of the patient. The
chemical test is to pass the breath of the person
to whom the new medicine has been admin is
tered through a solution of sugar of lead. This
test is very delicate one, and the faintest test
or suiphuretted hydrogen will give the solution
black color as sulphide of lead is formed
The first test of the new remedy was made in
this city by DR.. Allison Maxwell the gas having
oeen prepared for the purpose in large rubber
sack ny John N Hurry, the chemist A gallon
OF carbonic acid gas will distend the body con-
siderabiy, but will not under ordinary circum-
stances produce any discomfort This gallon of
gas carries with it about pint of sulphuretted
hydrogen. In using the remedy, if frequently
administered, the patient will exhale sulphur
cited hydrogen TO degree that will be often
sive, and it will be necessary for him to be out
Of doors. or at least where there is plenty OF
freshA air. which is what consumptive patient
necessarily must have.
DIR. Maxwells patient is young man, about
twenty-six years old and having read of the
remedy determined for himself to try it, saying
that he had little hope Of living month longer.
Weak as he was. the medicine when admins
tered produced no bad symptoms. AT first the
administration will be made day per
maps Hct 50 oltcu, III llCbio Wulio III Is the
intention to give it twice day ofsener, the
idea being to keep some of the medication in the
lungs as nearly all the time as possible to over
come the absorption of the septic. or blood
poisoning, material which gives all tine
symptoms OF consumption. OF course
| this is an experiment, but it is experiment
that will be looked upon by the medical profes
sion here with great interest. AS noted before
| these administrations not unattended with
| danger. In one case in Boston, when the opera
| ton was hardly we'll under way, the patient al
most Immediately expired, much to the surprise
| of the physician. Carbonic acid gas is anes
thetic and requires careful handling. It is true
the lungs give off carbonic acid gas all the time
| and one cause of death is mat the lungs of thu
consumptve are crippled and cannot throw i
| off sufficiently.